The New York Yankees are making an exception for second baseman Robinson Cano by discussing a new contract before Cano's current deal is up.

General manager Brian Cashman said Thursday that the Yankees have made an offer to Cano's agent, Scott Boras.

The club generally waits until a player's contract has expired. MLB.com pointed out that Cashman waited to make deals with Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

Boras would neither confirm nor deny that he had received an offer.

"Robinson is focused on preparing for and playing the 2013 season. By agreement discussions shall remain confidential," he told CBSSports.com. "Also by agreement, discussions will cease if they are a distraction to Robinson's performance and leadership of the 2013 Yankees."

Asked about the offer at camp Friday morning, Cano had little interest in discussing the rumored offer (and whether it was officially rejected).

"I don't want to talk about this," Cano told the team's website. "I hope after today, I don't want to be a distraction to the team. I just want to come here, enjoy the team and focus on playing baseball."